Book of Awesome Women Writers. Becca Anderson

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      “I read a little from this book each day as there is so much information packed in here. I had no idea that the first recorded writer in human history was a woman! I am learning so much from this and it is written in a delightfully entertaining way. I am inspired!”

      —Varla Ventura, author of Sheroes

      “Enter into this fascinating world of women who are desperately in love with books. They are a diverse group of personalities who were at times ignored, banned and reviled by the public for their use of the written word. Becca Anderson offers some intriguing and entertaining profiles of women in the literary scene. They are listed in cool categories which include prolific pens, those whose books were banned, women who wrote from a different spiritual point of view and other interesting facts about women in the field of literature.Did you know that women were responsible for writing the Bible under the ‘guidance’ of Jerome? Are you aware of the prolific amount of prose penned by Barbara Cartland, Margaret Mead and Edith Wharton? These are just a few tidbits of information that will encourage you to read more and, hopefully, be inspired to pick up the pen yourself!”

      —Autumn Stephens, author of Wild Words from Wild Women

      “This book is a testament to the relationship and contributions of women writers, lest we forget their impact and inspiration. Becca paints portraits of women writers with her energetic and enigmatic words in an accessible and engaging manner. Please join me on this amazing journey through women’s history—I know you will be as inspired by it as I have been.”

      —Ntozake Shange, author of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf

      “So go on, do some guilt-free indulging in the pages of Becca Anderson’s basket of literary bonbons. She has gathered a wealth of delectable stories in which to immerse ourselves, a bite at a time. Let’s hear it for bibliophiles and book ladies–our richest yet most non-fattening vice.”

      —Vicki León, author of the Uppity Women series

      The Book of Awesome Women Writers

      Medieval Mystics, Pioneering Poets, Fierce Feminists and First Ladies of Literature

      from Aphra Behn to Zora Neale Hurston

      Becca Anderson

      Mango Publishing

      Coral Gables

      Copyright © 2020 by Becca Anderson.

      Published by Mango Publishing Group, a division of Mango Media Inc.

      Cover Design: Elina Diaz

      Cover Photo/illustration: shutterstock.com

      Layout & Design: Elina Diaz

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      The Book of Awesome Women Writers: Medieval Mystics, Pioneering Poets, Fierce Feminists and First Ladies of Literature

      Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication number: 2019944233

      ISBN: (print) 978-1-64250-122-3, (ebook) 978-1-64250-123-0

      BISAC category code BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Women

      Printed in the United States of America

      This is for Mrs. Evelyn Gammon

      my late and great teacher who taught me to read in the first grade and made me believe in myself. I’ll never forget the support and encouragement she gave me to pursue my dreams. I also dedicate this to every teacher, librarian, and volunteer who instills a love of books in their students.

      and in memory of Richard J. Chin, my eternal inspiration

      Table of Contents

      Editor’s Note by Ntozake Shange

      Foreword by Vicki León

      Introduction

Chapter One: First Ladies of Literature—Mothers of Invention

Chapter Two: Ink in Their Veins—Theories of Relativity

Chapter Three: Mystics and Madwomen—Subversive Piety

      Chapter Four: Banned, Blacklisted, and Arrested—Daring Dissidents

      Chapter Five: Prolific Pens—Indefatigable Ink

      Chapter Six: Speculative Sorceresses of Science Fiction—Word-Weavers of Wonder

      Chapter Seven: Salonists and Culture Makers—Hermeneutic Circles and Human History

      Chapter Eight: Women Whose Books Are Loved Too Much—Adored Authors

       Appendix: Book Groups—Chatting It Up

      Resource Guide

      Acknowledgments

      Bibliography

Editor’s Note

      by Ntozake Shange, poet, playwright, and author

      Women have shaped and inspired me my whole life, especially women writers, in whom I have found inspiration, hope, and camaraderie. One can never underestimate the power of women—they have motivated, stimulated, and encouraged since the first book was written. In fact, a woman may have written the first book! The Book of Awesome Women Writers explores in a compelling manner the fascinating history and work of the world’s most beloved and influential women writers, without whom I never would have been a success.

      As a curious and impressionable young girl, I was blessed with a mother who educated me about Black women writers. My mother shared her race records with me (similar to race books), which documented the traditions, achievements, and work of Black writers. I was especially inspired by Phillis Wheatley and Lucy Terry Prince, pioneering African American women and some of the first women writers in America—if not the first.

      My mother also took me to see Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun—a pivotal and moving moment in my life which encouraged and nurtured my creativity. The work and courage of this successful woman of color, who